The Region 6-AA girls championship game Saturday night provided every emotion on the gamut. It was exciting, excruciating, exhausting, and extremely enthralling.
The end result was elation for the Model girls.
A driving layup by senior guard Kayla Evans with 21 seconds left in the third overtime proved to be the game-winner in Model’s 76-75 win over Dade County.
“Kayla Evans is my hero,” said senior teammate Kayla Cannon, who had 10 points and 14 rebounds. “We have so much faith in her, and she always comes through.”
Stunningly, the victory gave Model its first-ever region tournament championship, according to Model historians.
“I can’t even describe what I’m feeling,” said Evans, who scored a team-high 23 points. “The whole night is just kind of running together. All I know is that I’m so proud of my teammates for getting it done.”
Model (27-1), which has won 16 straight games, will be a No. 1 seed at the state tournament. The Lady Devils will host Lovett (the No. 4 seed from Region 5-AA) on Saturday at the M-Dome. Tipoff time hasn’t been set.
“Come Monday, we’ll have to get back down to business and start preparing for the next stage,” said Model coach Sally Echols. “But for now, I’m going to let the girls celebrate.”
Saturday’s epic contest was played in front of an captivated and capacity crowd at Georgia Highlands. And everyone involved — players, coaches, fans and tournament director David Mathis — were in agreement that it was the best game they’d ever seen.
It had every plot twist imaginable, ranging from clutch plays to crucial fouls. The teams were never separated by more than five points after the first period.
“These two teams traded baskets and traded emotions all night,” said Echols after leading her alma mater to the title in her first season as coach. “It was just an amazing game.”
The victory was Model’s third over Dade this season.
Dade County star Ashley Houts, a Georgia signee, was her normal phenomenal self. She scored 34 points, going 10-of-19 from the floor, before fouling out in the first overtime. Model countered Houts’ outing by getting key contributions from several players:
Sarah Alford had a team-high 15 rebounds, and hit a tying 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in regulation.
Kendall Davis scored 14 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Lyndsey Choate had 12 points and hit a 3-pointer that gave Model the lead with 1:01 left in regulation.
Tiffanie Barrett had six points and nine rebounds. She hit a clutch 17-foot jumper in the first overtime.
Kristi Taylor had five points and hit a huge first-half 3-pointer.
“Every player was a big player,” said Echols. “It was a total team effort and it was a game I’ll never forget.” Neither will anyone else who witnessed it.
